Recruitment Warriors 2025/2026 Recruitment & Retention

Warriors 2025/2026 Recruitment & Retention Discussion​

-	Player	2025	2026	2027	2028	2029
1	Bunty Afoa	✔
2	Tom Ale	✔
3	Mitchell Barnett	✔	✔	✔
4	Rocco Berry	✔	✔
5	Tanah Boyd	✔	✔
6	Kurt Capewell	✔	✔
7	Erin Clark	✔	✔	✔
8	Jett Cleary	✔	S	S
9	Wayde Egan	✔	✔	✔
10	James Fisher-Harris	✔	✔	✔	✔
11	Jackson Ford	✔	✔	✔
12	Leka Halasima	✔	✔	✔	✔	✔
13	Morgan Harper	✔
14	Chanel Harris-Tavita	✔	✔
15	Sam Healey	✔	✔	✔
16	Edward Kosi	✔
17	Jacob Laban	✔	✔	✔	✔	✔
18	Ali Leiataua	✔	✔	✔
19	Jye Linnane	✔	✔	✔	✔
20	Freddy Lussick	✔	✔
21	Te Maire Martin	✔	✔
22	Luke Metcalf	✔	✔
23	Charnze Nicoll-Klokstad	✔	✔	✔
24	Marata Niukore	✔	✔
25	Adam Pompey	✔	✔	✔
26	Tanner Stowers-Smith	✔	✔	✔
27	Taine Tuaupiki	✔	✔
28	Roger Tuivasa-Sheck	✔	✔
29	Demitric Vaimauga	✔	✔	✔	✔
30	Dallin Watene-Zelezniak	✔	✔	✔
S1	Kayliss Fatialofa	S	✔	✔
S2	Kalani Going	S
S3	Luke Hanson	S
S4	Eddie Ieremia-Toeava	S	✔	✔
S5	Sio Kali	S
S6	Patrick Moimoi	S
-	Kahu Capper	T	T
-	Morgan Gannon	-	✔	✔	✔
-	Haizyn Mellars	✔	✔	✔
-	Motu Pasikala	T	?	?

C = Club option, M = Mutual option, P = Player option, S = Supplementary contract, T = Train & Trial contract

Top 30 2026: 29/30
Supplementary 2026: 1/6

2026 Gains: Morgan Gannon (Leeds Rhinos), Haizyn Mellars (South Sydney Rabbitohs)
2026 Losses: Edward Kosi (South Sydney Rabbitohs)

Off Contract: Bunty Afoa, Tom Ale, Morgan Harper
Can negotiate with other clubs from Nov 1, 2025 (Entering final year) : Rocco Berry, Tanah Boyd, Kurt Capewell, Chanel Harris-Tavita, Freddy Lussick, Te Maire Martin, Luke Metcalf, Marata Niukore, Taine Tuaupiki, Roger Tuivasa-Sheck

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This thread is solely for Warriors recruitment and retention discussion. Any posts not related to the above will be deleted.

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[JaggedJ]

I suppose we have time to sign a winger later next year if Mellars and Kali are not ready? Pretty nervous the way Roger is playing we lose his ability in ‘27

Does anyone even know what's happening with Kali next year?

Pasikala is back and playing centre for Flegg.

Who is likely to be pushed up from Flegg to NSW Cup if we don't sign anyone else?

 

[Riz]

Does anyone even know what's happening with Kali next year?

Pasikala is back and playing centre for Flegg.

Who is likely to be pushed up from Flegg to NSW Cup if we don't sign anyone else?

Brandon Norris would be first in line.

 

[Ferdie]

Each time we lose one of our players/up coming players to another club, there's always people bagging the Warriors ability to retain players (more so on social media than this forum). So I thought I would compile a lineup of Ex Warriors (and soon to be ex Warriors) who are still in the NRL.
Who do you think would win a game between the current Warriors and ex players?

1. Reece Walsh
2. Marcelo Montoya
3. KL Iro
4. Euan Aitken
5. Jesse Arthurs
6. Kieran Foran
7. Kodi Nikorima
8. Addin Fonua Blake
9. Jazz Tevaga
10. Matt Lodge
11. Eli Katoa
12. Isaiah Papalii
13. Dylan Walker

14. Saliva Havili
15. Tom Ale
16. Bunty Afoa
17. Josh Curran

Tof Sipley
Zyon Maiu'u
Siosiua Taukeiaho
Francis Manuleleua
Ronald Volkman
Moala Graham Toafa
Viliame Vailea
Ed Kosi

 

[Worried2Death]

Each time we lose one of our players/up coming players to another club, there's always people bagging the Warriors ability to retain players (more so on social media than this forum). So I thought I would compile a lineup of Ex Warriors (and soon to be ex Warriors) who are still in the NRL.
Who do you think would win a game between the current Warriors and ex players?

1. Reece Walsh
2. Marcelo Montoya
3. KL Iro
4. Euan Aitken
5. Jesse Arthurs
6. Kieran Foran
7. Kodi Nikorima
8. Addin Fonua Blake
9. Jazz Tevaga
10. Matt Lodge
11. Eli Katoa
12. Isaiah Papalii
13. Dylan Walker

14. Saliva Havili
15. Tom Ale
16. Bunty Afoa
17. Josh Curran

Tof Sipley
Zyon Maiu'u
Siosiua Taukeiaho
Francis Manuleleua
Ronald Volkman
Moala Graham Toafa
Viliame Vailea
Ed Kosi

Not a bad team but I think we'd grind them down with Webby's game plan and Rocco's superior kick chase. Wouldn't swap that bench for any of the Zesty boys.

 

[CWC]

Current team would belt the ex warriors lol

 

[BangBro's (still banging)]

Each time we lose one of our players/up coming players to another club, there's always people bagging the Warriors ability to retain players (more so on social media than this forum). So I thought I would compile a lineup of Ex Warriors (and soon to be ex Warriors) who are still in the NRL.
Who do you think would win a game between the current Warriors and ex players?

1. Reece Walsh
2. Marcelo Montoya
3. KL Iro
4. Euan Aitken
5. Jesse Arthurs
6. Kieran Foran
7. Kodi Nikorima
8. Addin Fonua Blake
9. Jazz Tevaga
10. Matt Lodge
11. Eli Katoa
12. Isaiah Papalii
13. Dylan Walker

14. Saliva Havili
15. Tom Ale
16. Bunty Afoa
17. Josh Curran

Tof Sipley
Zyon Maiu'u
Siosiua Taukeiaho
Francis Manuleleua
Ronald Volkman
Moala Graham Toafa
Viliame Vailea
Ed Kosi

This team would beat us 13 plus at Go Media!

 

[Wahs_Ultras]

This team would beat us 13 plus at Go Media!

If the coach was Kearney or Brown they’d probably still lose

 

[FormerlyJamesW]

If the coach was Kearney or Brown they’d probably still lose

Bluey would get the job done /s

 

[Theking267]

Each time we lose one of our players/up coming players to another club, there's always people bagging the Warriors ability to retain players (more so on social media than this forum). So I thought I would compile a lineup of Ex Warriors (and soon to be ex Warriors) who are still in the NRL.
Who do you think would win a game between the current Warriors and ex players?

1. Reece Walsh
2. Marcelo Montoya
3. KL Iro
4. Euan Aitken
5. Jesse Arthurs
6. Kieran Foran
7. Kodi Nikorima
8. Addin Fonua Blake
9. Jazz Tevaga
10. Matt Lodge
11. Eli Katoa
12. Isaiah Papalii
13. Dylan Walker

14. Saliva Havili
15. Tom Ale
16. Bunty Afoa
17. Josh Curran

Tof Sipley
Zyon Maiu'u
Siosiua Taukeiaho
Francis Manuleleua
Ronald Volkman
Moala Graham Toafa
Viliame Vailea
Ed Kosi

I think you will find a list like this with most bad teams. Recruitment decisions are always muddled when a team consistently loses to go along with chopping and changing coaches.

 

[sydneywarrior92]

I think you will find a list like this with most bad teams. Recruitment decisions are always muddled when a team consistently loses to go along with chopping and changing coaches.

not just losing teams. Good sides have to let a lot of good people go too. The Penrith reject list would definitely be a top 4 side if they were to form their own club.

 

[John Nick]

not just losing teams. Good sides have to let a lot of good people go too. The Penrith reject list would definitely be a top 4 side if they were to form their own club.

Wayne Bennett said in a recent interview that coaches dont always get it right.

 

[Wah's Up]

I think you will find a list like this with most bad teams. Recruitment decisions are always muddled when a team consistently loses to go along with chopping and changing coaches.

When you look at some our worst years there was a common factor with teams that are now at the bottom of the ladder. MOSES

 

[Theking267]

When you look at some our worst years there was a common factor with teams that are now at the bottom of the ladder. MOSES

It’s good he has no more clients at the Warriors

 

[sup42]

Each time we lose one of our players/up coming players to another club, there's always people bagging the Warriors ability to retain players (more so on social media than this forum). So I thought I would compile a lineup of Ex Warriors (and soon to be ex Warriors) who are still in the NRL.
Who do you think would win a game between the current Warriors and ex players?

1. Reece Walsh
2. Marcelo Montoya
3. KL Iro
4. Euan Aitken
5. Jesse Arthurs
6. Kieran Foran
7. Kodi Nikorima
8. Addin Fonua Blake
9. Jazz Tevaga
10. Matt Lodge
11. Eli Katoa
12. Isaiah Papalii
13. Dylan Walker

14. Saliva Havili
15. Tom Ale
16. Bunty Afoa
17. Josh Curran

Tof Sipley
Zyon Maiu'u
Siosiua Taukeiaho
Francis Manuleleua
Ronald Volkman
Moala Graham Toafa
Viliame Vailea
Ed Kosi

1. Reece Walsh - nothing the Warriors could do, wanted to return home, only came to get exposure/help get into Fg with the Broncos.

2. Marcello Montoya - decent Journeyman, nothing to complain about, wanted a longer contract, at 28 the Warriors did the right thing letting him go for his own sake - while not binding the club to an ageing player whose best asset is kick return meters, which the Warriors have RTS performing in his stead and RTS is more defensively sound.

3. Kayal Iro, jumped at a one year deal with the Knights, hardly a sought after player at time of leaving. Very green in year one at the Sharks, didn't look too flash on defence and prone to errors.

4. Aitken. Family reasons.

5. Jesse Arthars loan player, not ours, agreement with the Broncos

6. Kieran Foran. Troubled by off field issues, had to leave for personal reasons.

7. Kodi Nikorima. Wouldn't run the ball or tackle, goodbye.

8. Addin Fonua Blake, toxic contract breaker piss off.

9. Jaz Tevanga, why was he let go? Jacob, Dimitric, Leka, Kaylis, too many future stars to keep Jaz.

10. Matt Lodge. Left for personal reasons, take a look at his history of playing out contracts.

11. Katoa. Wanted to go straight to a winning club. Nothing the Warriors could do.

12. Papalii same as Katoa. These boys weren't interested in staying to help lift the Warriors as they became better players.

13. Dylan Walker compasionate release.

14. Saliva Havili told the coach he would rather play his way (running game) and therefore struggled to get fg time and no coach keeps players that say that in media interviews.

15. Tom Ale, ousted by Fatialofa, Dimitric, Leka, Gannon.

16. Bunty, thanks for your service, ousted by the best junior crop of forwards the Warriors have ever internally produced.

17. Josh Curran, off field trouble maker, on field not listening to the coach, bye bye, no coach keeps players that don't listen.

I won't keep going. But the Warriors overwhelmingly come out on the right side of the retention and release - people on fb often times haven't got a clue.

 

[BangBro's (still banging)]

1. Reece Walsh - nothing the Warriors could do, wanted to return home, only came to get exposure/help get into Fg with the Broncos.

2. Marcello Montoya - decent Journeyman, nothing to complain about, wanted a longer contract, at 28 the Warriors did the right thing letting him go for his own sake - while not binding the club to an ageing player whose best asset is kick return meters, which the Warriors have RTS performing in his stead and RTS is more defensively sound.

3. Kayal Iro, jumped at a one year deal with the Knights, hardly a sought after player at time of leaving. Very green in year one at the Sharks, didn't look too flash on defence and prone to errors.

4. Aitken. Family reasons.

5. Jesse Arthars loan player, not ours, agreement with the Broncos

6. Kieran Foran. Troubled by off field issues, had to leave for personal reasons.

7. Kodi Nikorima. Wouldn't run the ball or tackle, goodbye.

8. Addin Fonua Blake, toxic contract breaker piss off.

9. Jaz Tevanga, why was he let go? Jacob, Dimitric, Leka, Kaylis, too many future stars to keep Jaz.

10. Matt Lodge. Left for personal reasons, take a look at his history of playing out contracts.

11. Katoa. Wanted to go straight to a winning club. Nothing the Warriors could do.

12. Papalii same as Katoa. These boys weren't interested in staying to help lift the Warriors as they became better players.

13. Dylan Walker compasionate release.

14. Saliva Havili told the coach he would rather play his way (running game) and therefore struggled to get fg time and no coach keeps players that say that in media interviews.

15. Tom Ale, ousted by Fatialofa, Dimitric, Leka, Gannon.

16. Bunty, thanks for your service, ousted by the best junior crop of forwards the Warriors have ever internally produced.

17. Josh Curran, off field trouble maker, on field not listening to the coach, bye bye, no coach keeps players that don't listen.

I won't keep going. But the Warriors overwhelmingly come out on the right side of the retention and release - people on fb often times haven't got a clue.

I fucken hate those FB people!

 

[Ferdie]

1. Reece Walsh - nothing the Warriors could do, wanted to return home, only came to get exposure/help get into Fg with the Broncos.

2. Marcello Montoya - decent Journeyman, nothing to complain about, wanted a longer contract, at 28 the Warriors did the right thing letting him go for his own sake - while not binding the club to an ageing player whose best asset is kick return meters, which the Warriors have RTS performing in his stead and RTS is more defensively sound.

3. Kayal Iro, jumped at a one year deal with the Knights, hardly a sought after player at time of leaving. Very green in year one at the Sharks, didn't look too flash on defence and prone to errors.

4. Aitken. Family reasons.

5. Jesse Arthars loan player, not ours, agreement with the Broncos

6. Kieran Foran. Troubled by off field issues, had to leave for personal reasons.

7. Kodi Nikorima. Wouldn't run the ball or tackle, goodbye.

8. Addin Fonua Blake, toxic contract breaker piss off.

9. Jaz Tevanga, why was he let go? Jacob, Dimitric, Leka, Kaylis, too many future stars to keep Jaz.

10. Matt Lodge. Left for personal reasons, take a look at his history of playing out contracts.

11. Katoa. Wanted to go straight to a winning club. Nothing the Warriors could do.

12. Papalii same as Katoa. These boys weren't interested in staying to help lift the Warriors as they became better players.

13. Dylan Walker compasionate release.

14. Saliva Havili told the coach he would rather play his way (running game) and therefore struggled to get fg time and no coach keeps players that say that in media interviews.

15. Tom Ale, ousted by Fatialofa, Dimitric, Leka, Gannon.

16. Bunty, thanks for your service, ousted by the best junior crop of forwards the Warriors have ever internally produced.

17. Josh Curran, off field trouble maker, on field not listening to the coach, bye bye, no coach keeps players that don't listen.

I won't keep going. But the Warriors overwhelmingly come out on the right side of the retention and release - people on fb often times haven't got a clue.

Great reply, I agree with pretty much everything you said.
The one big takeaway I had while writing the list is how few of them actually came through the ranks as Warriors juniors. It shows we are doing the right thing by focusing on the pathways, as it's hard to get others to stick around.

 

[Noitall]

Warriors coach caught off guard by Roger Tuivasa-Sheck’s R360 links

The New Zealand coach insists that he had no idea about the shock talks.

www.zerotackle.com

Was a while ago that Webster said he hadn’t heard about the RTS interest from that union comp in the works. RTS says the club is aware, yet Webster says he knows nothing about it. Must be playing it down in the media? Sounds like he’s open to extending, going to union for the money or another nrl team

 

[Playdaball]

Back into recruitment ….
I see that Adam O’Brien is looking for an Assistant Coaching role .
Not sure he would cross the Tasman but I believe and have said it a number of times , the club needs a strong experienced Assistant Coach ….

 

[Warriorsfan92]

Back into recruitment ….
I see that Adam O’Brien is looking for an Assistant Coaching role .
Not sure he would cross the Tasman but I believe and have said it a number of times , the club needs a strong experienced Assistant Coach ….

The one who took the knights backwards after 3 years & had a merry go round of halves? Not to mention his monotone voice, I couldnt stand that if he did our media. No thanks.

 

[BangBro's (still banging)]

Back into recruitment ….
I see that Adam O’Brien is looking for an Assistant Coaching role .
Not sure he would cross the Tasman but I believe and have said it a number of times , the club needs a strong experienced Assistant Coach ….

Would the club consider taking back payten if he was moved on from Cowboys.